Manila, Philippines (12/31/2016) UNTV News and Rescue runs down the significant events that made 2016 an interesting year and what will be expecting in the coming 2017.

Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Philippines’ strong man. The world is all eyes on the Philippines because of the presidents’ war on drugs. Barack Obama, specifically, stirred a controversy because of the challenge sent by the president against its process of eliminating drugs in the country.

China-Philippines military alliance together with China and Russia. This brought an investment of 4 billion dollars. Moro rebel group talks and repelling the alliance between the Philippines and the United States of America. In regards of the controversy accusing him of implementing Martial Law, Pres. Duterte denied. He plans to implement the Federal form of government. The budget used is still a budget of the former Pres. Noynoy Aquino.

ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUGS WAR of the Philippine National Police

July 1, 2016- Oplan Double Barrel is launched. Upper and lower barrel targets and many of the names mentioned by the president present themselves personally.

Sao Paulo, Brazil. [November 28, 2016] The advocacy of Kuya Daniel Razon reached the country of Brazil as the Members Church of God International visited Centro Organizado de Tratamento Intensivo à Criança, an organization for children with special needs and Pequeno Cotolengo Paranese for people with multiple disabilities. Kuya Daniel Razon is known for his moniker as “Mr. Public Service” also supports the advocacy for caring for the abandoned babies and children and helping the persons with disabilities (PWD).

The COTIC – Organized Center for Intensive Care of Children, located at Horto Street, 805 – Horto Florestal – São Paulo / SP, came about through the formation of a group of people who met several times for the purpose of building a private entity Non-profit organization that supports children with special needs and cancer in 1999.

UNTV News and Rescue screenshot

First of all, thanks be to God for this opportunity that God gave us to the brethren and to participate of a such wonderful event which only few people in the world do, and we are thankful for this opportunity. Thanks be to God and happy anniversary Kuya Daniel Razon, this is for you, thanks be to God.

I would like to thank every body for being present here, to do this party for the children to bring the donations, its his anniversary that is been celebrated isn’t it? And it’s been reverted to us which will be of a big importance here, we really need these things, so thanks a lot, thanks to everybody for this wonderful afternoon that we will enjoy here, thanks a lot! — Katia Cilene, Coordinator, COTIC

Another institution is for the caring for the persons with multiple dissability, Pequeno Cotolengo Paranaense was visited by the volunteers in Curitiba, Parana.

Pequeno Cotolengo Paranaense is a charity for 49 years providing shelter, health and education to people with multiple disabilities. Within a year, they provide more than 43 thousand services, 12 health specialties to more than 200 people who were in the condition of abandonment. Sustainance of their work is not possible without the help of more than 700 volunteers that lend a hand to activities such as Monthly Barbecue, Diaper House, Sewing House, Craft House, Friendship Bazaar, recreational activities and more.

The organization looks forward to people who offers their support to people with multiple disabilities. Companies and government organizations are welcome. To learn more about this organization, just click here.

One of the member/volunteer who is also a mother and a grandmother explained how she felt about this life-changing experience in visiting the institutions.
“My experience was very wonderful We apprehended not to complain about our life and to endure our difficulties with joy in the Lord. And most importantly, celebrate the year in spirit of our dear brother Daniel God be the glory.” — Sister Josenilda Macêdo

Although we are of different races and colors, doing good doesn’t have to have barriers. Bro. Eli Soriano, also a supporter of many advocacies, provides a lot of help which he also sees an opportunity for others to make use of their lives by giving something meaningful to our fellowmen. As Kuya Daniel Razon says, “Ang paggawa ng mabuti ay di magbubunga ng masama.”

Baraks ni Good Brother consist of the drug surenderres that will be given a chance to make good of their lives. This includes TESDA programs, spiritual guidance through Bro. Eli Soriano. Also, there will be cameras and doctors 24/7 monitoring them 24/7. Gen. Bato dela Rosa is also included in the up-coming movie, Isang Araw: Ikatlong Yugto. 4 million of its proceedings will be used to augment the rehabilitation of the surenderees.

The television program Serbisyong Kasambahay, within months of its airing, many drug addicts and pushers already seek Kuya Daniel Razon’s help. Their reason – they are afraid that they will be killed if they turn themselves in. The program also serves as a bridge to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their security.

Philippines’ Overcrowded Prison Cells

In an interview of Parallels’ Michael Sullivan to Chief Inspector Robinson Maranion, the suspected drug users and dealers had grown in numbers up to 10 to 20 times since President Duterte’s campaign on war on drugs. Many detainees on the prison cells would stand up for hours waiting for their turn to lay down and sleep. Crowding of the prison cells is a clear indication of failing economy of a country.

A Glimpse of Davao City Rehabilitation Center

The Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD) is a 1.2-hectare compound in Barangay Bago Oshiro, around 17 kilometers away from the city center.Aside from its modern facilities, the rehabilitation center has a chapel, music room and counseling room. An ideal place for physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual rehabilitation.

This is a project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 1985 having 88 patients. When the then 4th term Mayor Duterte voted P12 million of Local Government Funds (LGU) to repair the center, they officially turn it over in 2001 to the Davao City government. RCDD was established in May 23, 1985.

Quezon City, Philippines. [10/29/1016] Now on its 5th year, A Song of Praise Music Festival (ASOP) will be presenting 12 powerhouse songs that will be vying at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 7, 2016 at 7 p.m. For the grand champion, they will receive Php 500, 000 cash. The Best Interpreter Award – Php 50,000, the People’s Choice Award – Php 50,000. All non winning entries will receive Php 20,000 respectively.

For the past 5 years, ASOP had been surprising us with the best of the best starting from its interpreters. Here are this years list of finalists.

With his viral video covering Matisyahu’s One Day, with now over 4 million views of Wish FM 107.5 page made him more significant.

A very clever incorporation of reggae taste. Very positive with the lyrics all you have to do is to sing this song aloud, you don’t have to worry; God will always find a way. Bugoy Drilon singing looks like it is just an easy song to sing, but taking the reggae form is difficult. But he owns the song. His success in the music industry has much to do with his perseverance and even worked as a janitor in a university. Many hurdles along the way, but pursuing his dream to be a singer is bigger. He is the 1st runner up at Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2

Composed of 3 brothers – Sean (guitar), Christopher (drums) and JC Naval (bass) ; they mostly covers songs of the Beatles and Beegees; won Acoustic Battle of the Band Grand Champion;

The songs melody is very calming and so the singers voices. Papahirin, lilimutin, lilinisin, babaguhin at naghihintay sa tapat mong pangako. What else you want to hear to be able to hold on to that promise of God. The harmony at the ending harmony, there is a hook while the song/ melody fades.

She gained attention on you tube singing Whitney Houston songs such as I Will Always Love you. She won the Gensan Pop Idol. Zendee Rose Japitana Tenerefe, prior to her YouTube successs, she was first discovered singing at a karaoke at SM Megamall that went viral.

* The song is giving thanks and looking forward to meet God Almighty with a promise to stay in faith until the end.

Known as the first winner of Pilipinas Got Talent, The New Juke Box King, but marked his way on the music scene with his cover of Journeys song Faithfully and his Triple Platinum album in 2010 in Star Records.

A very powerful entrance to a song to one powerful chords of Jovit. Hari ng mga Hari, Dios ng mga Dios. Ang Iyong pangalan ang una at huli… this songs says everything about our God Almighty.

About JBK : An acronym : Joshua Baluyot, Bryan del Rosario and Kim Lawrenz Ordonio. Their music video Damang-Dama, took noticed by netizens because of its optimistic messages. The trio is once grand champions of the McJim Dreams Get Real: The Search for The Next OPM Star. They became the FireExitBoys because they made a series of videos on fire exits.

* Pag-ibig ka Oh Dios sa nagdadalamhati. Pag-ibig ka oh Dios… this phrase just gets into you. Their soulful rendition and harmony is perfect and the lyrics will let you humming because of its recall.

Son of award-winning US-based Filipino jazz drummer and singer Mon David, Carlo followed the footsteps of his father. He is into pop jazz and soul that is evidently influenced by his father and to the legendary OPM group, APO Hiking Society. He and his sister shares an experience singing live on the only FM station-on-wheels, Wish 107.5 also a composer; their Wishperience on the program Roadshow hosted by Jelly Kiss ,

This is a feel-good song. You almost see it in a lounge or in a small place – a cozy like feel. Very clearly sang and you want it to hear over and over again. He has this very cool voice.

Started to play by the aged of 7 and after the guitar after hearing John Meyer. One experience they consider memorable as an artist, Carlo shared a mall gig where there were many people who cheered and took “selfies” with them. “They don’t know us but it seems they loved us,” he said.

When interviewed by hosts Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda on his first time singing this song on ASOP’s weekly show, he has this to say, “I really have fun. I loved it. When I heard it, what a beautiful song.”

He is dubbed as The Prince of the New OPM, and now under Star Music recording label. As one of the finalist of The Voice Philippines Season 2, he had the opportunity to work with one of the best international singers, Lea Salonga of the Les Miserables fame. He is an ABS-CBN Star Music artist, an actor and host.

Ima Castro, who has been in the music scene for 22 years since her first break in the early 1990’s. She managed to perform in an independent theater in London via Miss Saigon. She was first noticed when she joined and won the Panasonic Karaoke Quest in Osaka, Japan.

Kris Lawrence is the winner of the 2006 Star in a Million, an ABS-CBN television show started in 2003. A Los Angeles-born, he was with the group called First Impression with Jay-R. He had appeared to various Philippine TV shows and studio albums. He is often compared to “Taeyang”, a South Korean singer-songwriter, which he has some resemblance not only to physical but also to their style of singing.

The song pleads for God’s mercy. A man presenting himself boldly unto God Almighty.

A Filipino bossa nova singer Sitti Navarro or popularly known as Sitti, started her career to fame after releasing an album back in 2006. She was part of the Katy! The Musical way back December of 2008. Sitti’s voice feels like you are flying. She has this very clear singing voice that makes you want to just stop and listen, to ponder.

Jason Fernandez is the 3rd vocalist of the band Rivermaya on 2007. But after 4 years, he departed and decided to have his solo career. In 2013, he launched his first solo album entitled Panimula. A year after, he auditioned for The Voice Philippines in 2014. He is not a stranger in this one of a kind competition. He is one of the finalists in the 2014 ASOP via the song God Will Win Our Fight.

* Didn’t know where I was going , then You found me and showed me the way… you stood by me. God is good. This says it all.

The A Song of Praise Music Festival is a song-writing competition spearheaded by Bro. Eli Soriano of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) or popularly known as “Ang Dating Daan.” and Kuya Daniel Razon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UNTV and Breakthrough and Milestones Production, Inc. (BMPI). This encourages all amateur and professional songwriters to create songs all for the Glory of God.

Palmas, Brazil (10/20/16) The Presiding Minister of the Members Church of God International (MCGI) Brother Eli Soriano, his zealousness in conducting live Bible Expositions (Exposição da Bíblia ) and Mass Indoctrinations (Doutrinação Em Massa) in different parts of Brazil like Belo Horizonte, Divinopolis and Palmas produced 15 newly baptized brethren. Most of which, Catholics and Evangelicals and other religious denominations.

photo: Renata De Olliveira Castro

Dízimos / tithes

Bro. Eli noticed how generous Brazilians is in giving tithes to their pastors. Questions about “dizimo” is always brought up in every exposition and through the Mass Indoctrination, he crushed that practice. Brazil is a big country with vast lands but there are many families remain poor after years and years believing miracles will soon come and by giving in to the pastors every wish.

“Let us study the power of the holy spirit,” says Bro. Eli. He shared his experience when he was young and had been suffering from asthma. “I’ve learned how to live with the difficulty of breathing.” After his baptism he continued preaching even though the doctors forbid him to do strenuous works.

photo: Renata De Olliveira Castro

He is known in the Philippines as “the walking Bible” because he can answer questions based on the Bible, even without opening it. “You have seen me answering questions without notes. Because of this, I believe in the power of God and what it can do for us.” He finished up the statement by this words.

“Submit ourselves in the power of God.”– Bro. Eli Soriano

photo: Renata Castro

A bigger place of worship

Because of the ever growing number of Brazilians attending and getting baptized, there is a need for a bigger venue.

Apalit, Pampanga Philippines. [10/12/16] “My plea to the Filipino people, don’t solely blame the government”. This is Bro. Eli Soriano’s statement regarding the killings of drug addicts in the Philippines. He reiterated that the government of President Duterte is doing its best to eliminate rampant drug addiction. Adding to the presidents’ problem is the media, paid by the rich men behind these drug traffickers to go up against him.

This plea is prompted by Belinda Era, a Catholic from Tunasan, Muntinlupa City asks about “freewill”. Also, as a mother, she is concerned about the safety of her children and to the lives of the innocent ones at the Ang Dating Daan Worldwide Exposition held on October 7, 2016.

It is inevitable that innocent ones are also affected because of unpredictable circumstances. He cited an example about a recent raid that killed a 5-year old in a drug operation. Bro. Eli pointed that it is important to keep an eagle eye on our children. An example of keeping a safe environment is at the school premises. La Verdad Christian College is implementing strict ordinance against a possible drug activity. The school prohibits cigarettes and beers making drug dealers impossible to even sneak in a drug inside the campus. Fraternity is also prohibited because it leads to physical violence against human lives. The school is being monitored and strictly guarded.

Bro. Eli, point by point shows how it is unfair to easily pinpoint the government as the culprit in extra-judicial killings in his blog Controversy Extraordinary. (Click here to read more)

DOHA, QATAR Who should we worship?

God, Christ and the Spirit should be worshiped. Christ’ crucifixion represents our sins. His death redeemed our sins. Christ should be worshiped because he is the son of God. “I will prove that Baptist is not true. Its name is not in the Bible and even call their members Baptist, when in fact they are not even officiating baptism. In the Bible, the term baptist is a name given to a baptizer like John who is a baptizer. You will discover gold mines if you listen to the word of God. Christ should be worshiped in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) Jesus Christ became the redeemer. His death redeemed our sins. (Hebrews 2:14)

POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO 65year-old Mormon

Who is Joseph Smith? Is he a true prophet?

Joseph Smith is a liar, swindler, deceiver, many concubines, all sort of foolishness he’s done it. He is a false prophet with 40 wives. Another doctrine of the Mormons is that they believe that the dark-skinned or “negro” is cursed by God. It is only on June 9, 1978 that black skinned is allowed to Mormon priesthood since its foundation on April 6, 1830.

CALASIAO, PANGASINAN 58 year-old Methodist

I thank God that you are zealous in propagating the word of God.- Merle Coguia

What is the difference between the Church of God’s doctrine to other religions? What is the status of a person that prioritize material things? How about the pretentious? They say that they are of God but it is clearly not seen through their works and attitude. What will be the judgment for these kind of faith?

There is a big difference. There is no other church in the Bible but the Church of God. Some people think that they know better than God. They changed the name, commandments that the apostles wrote and also the commandments of God. We strictly adhere what is written in the Bible. Purely Biblical. The doctrine, name, integration, good deeds written, we conform. We preach freely. The manner of clothing, we do not let our members dress up in garish.

TALAVERA, NUEVA ECIJA, an INC Member

Where did Cain get his wife?

Iglesia ni Cristo’s teaching is that Adam and Eve has only 2 sons. That is not true. When Cain killed Abel, the process of pro-creation did not stop.

Other places like Apalit Pmpanga, San Joaquin Ilo-ilo and Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam also joined in.

The Philippine government is currently on its transformation, battling different issues like poverty, corruption and a lot more that includes prevalent drug problems. The Ang Dating Daan Worldwide Bible Exposition is a venue for our fellowmen to take time and focus on their spiritual needs, doubts, questions or anything regarding religious matters.